Couple buys land and finds a big cave which they transform into a stunning modern cave home

In the heart of Hocking Hills, Ohio, nestled away from the bustling city life of Columbus, lies an extraordinary cave home that defies convention.

Amy and Bryant have crafted their dream home within the natural confines of a cave called Dunlap Hollow. 

The beginning of Dunlap Hollow emerged from a desire to escape the urban sprawl and reconnect with nature. They bought a land and stumbles upon a massive cave in their new property.

While exploring the woods near their property, Bryant found a cave, inspiring a playful idea that would soon come true.

“When we first bought this land Bryant especially spent hours roaming in the woods, and he came upon this one cave and I remember four months we would just joke about it like ‘we should build
a house in that cave,'” Amy said.

The couple pondered the possibility of transforming it into their sanctuary as they stood within its rocky walls.

With careful consideration for safety and structural integrity, the couple enlisted the expertise of geologists and engineers to ensure the cave could be transformed into a habitable space.

“To make sure that the cave was structurally safe we hired a geologist who wrote a report on the structure itself, and after that we needed to go through the building department and we had to hire a structural engineer,” Byrant explained.

Over seven months of meticulous planning and construction, Dunlap Hollow began to take shape.

Using the natural rock formations as the foundation, the material costs were significantly reduced, allowing the couple to channel their resources into creating an unparalleled interior experience.

As a family of five, including their three young children, Cleo, Cali, and Ace, the Dunlaps see their cave home as more than just a house—a legacy to be cherished for generations.

Even at a tender age, their children have already forged a deep connection with Dunlap Hollow, expressing their love for the cave during family dinners and playtime.

The exterior of Dunlap Hollow underwent a subtle transformation, with a glass front added to maximize natural light and passive solar heating.

This architectural feat required meticulous planning to seamlessly integrate with the cave’s natural contours.

Despite the challenges, the breathtaking entrance blurs the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor splendor.

Every detail has been carefully curated to blend modern luxury with the cave’s rustic charm.

From the Gothic-inspired furnishings to the vintage chandeliers sourced from local artisans, Dunlap Hollow exudes an air of elegance and sophistication.

The kitchen, adorned with sleek black cabinets and countertops, is a testament to the couple’s bold design choices.

The living spaces within Dunlap Hollow offer a sanctuary for relaxation and contemplation.

Whether cozying up by the fire or immersing oneself in a good book amidst the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, every corner of the cave invites introspection and tranquility.

The bedrooms, adorned with custom-designed furnishings and illuminated by the soft glow of vintage chandeliers, provide comfort and serenity.

The main bedroom has a big bed, old-fashioned furniture, and a mossy wall, making it feel like nature is inside.

The other bedroom, the wine bedroom, has deep red walls that match the colors in the cave. It also has two beds that fold into the wall, which is great for the couple’s little girls.

The bathrooms in Dunlap Hollow are fancy, even though they’re in a cave. The main bathroom has a big tub and a shower built into the rock.

The other bathroom, connected to the wine room, is for guests.

Both bathrooms have tiles that fit perfectly against the rocky walls, making them look nice and blending in with the natural surroundings, per Home Hacks.

The cave home has a spot for playing pool, which Bryant really liked.

The cave’s back wall is fun for the kids to climb on because of all its cool shapes and holes.

When they play pool, the balls bouncing around echoes in the cave, making it even more fun.

Yet, living in a cave comes with challenges, particularly in managing moisture and preserving the integrity of the rock formations.

Through innovative solutions such as dehumidifiers and strategic drainage systems, the Dunlaps have created a comfortable and sustainable living environment.

Reflecting on their journey, Amy and Bryant express pride and gratitude for their accomplishments.

As visitors step into the cave home embrace of Dunlap Hollow, they are greeted not just by the sight of rock and stone but by the warmth of a family home infused with love and reverence for the natural world.

In every corner and crevice, the echoes of their journey resonate, inviting others to embark on their own adventure within the depths of the earth.

Take a virtual tour of Bryant and Amy’s cave home by watching the video below:

To watch more amazing home videos visit: Tiny House Giant Journey
To learn more about the Dunlop Hollow cave, go HERE.